The Wolf's Grip
Kain’s grip was firm but not painful as he carried Emma through the forest. His movements were fluid, almost animalistic, as if he knew every inch of the land by instinct alone. The glowing trees blurred together, and Emma struggled to keep track of where they were going.
Emma
I can’t just let him take me wherever he wants. I need to figure out what this place is and how to get home.
Emma’s fists clenched. She wasn’t going to just give up. As Kain adjusted his hold on her, she spotted an opportunity—a small, jagged branch sticking out from a nearby tree.
She shouted, thrashing violently.
Kain growled low in his throat.
Kain
Stop struggling, little one. You’ll hurt yourself.
But Emma twisted, her hand shooting out to grab the branch. With all her strength, she swung it toward Kain’s face. It wasn’t much of a weapon, but it was enough to make him flinch and loosen his grip.
Emma
Sorry, but I’m not sticking around to find out what ‘yours’ means!😖
She slipped from his arms and hit the ground running. Her legs ached, her lungs burned, but adrenaline pushed her forward. The glowing forest seemed to stretch endlessly in every direction, and she had no idea where she was going.
Behind her, Kain’s voice boomed, filled with a mix of anger and surprise.
Kain
You can’t outrun me, little one!😠
His shout sent a shiver down her spine, but she didn’t dare look back. She could hear him chasing her, his footsteps eerily quiet despite his size.
Emma’s muttering
Emma
Get it together, Emma…
The moment her name left her lips, she froze. Too late.
Kain
Emma… So that's your name it suits you. 😏
Kain
You can’t hide from me, Emma.
His voice was calm, almost amused, but it sent a chill down her spine. He was close—too close.
Emma (thinking)
Emma
How does he know my name?
Her mind raced, piecing it together in horror. She had muttered it to herself earlier. He must have heard.
The underbrush parted, and there he stood, his towering frame bathed in the faint glow of the forest. His amber eyes burned with a mix of irritation and amusement.
Kain
You’re brave, I’ll give you that. But running from me was foolish.
Emma scrambled to her feet, backing away as he stepped closer. His movements were unhurried, his confidence unnerving.
Emma
Why won’t you just leave me alone? I don’t belong here!😠
Kain
No, you don’t. But you’re here now. And this world isn’t kind to those who wander alone.
Emma glared at him, her fists clenched at her sides. She refused to believe she needed his help.
Emma
I didn’t ask for your protection.
Kain
You didn’t have to. This world is dangerous, Emma. You have no idea what’s out there.
Kain
Come back with me. I promise, I won’t let anything hurt you.
For a moment, Emma considered running again, but as her eyes met his, she saw something unexpected—vulnerability. Beneath the alpha’s fierce exterior, there was a strange, almost desperate need to protect her.
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